kjo1127

Absolutely not. That is completely unprofessional. Would you bring them to work? Same concept.

You may be ok. A lot of nursing programs these days, at least in Phoenix, are doing background checks before you get into the nursing program. So, if you don't clear, you won't be accepted into the program. The reason we started doing this in Phoenix, on top of preventing the "wrong" people from entering the profession, is so you don't go through your whole nursing program only to find that you can't get your license at the end. Also, my hospital (for example) requires that nursing students get an additional background check before they can participate in their clinical rotation. Our background checks go deeper than the check required by the college. So, if you pass the college background check, you may not always pass the clinical site background check. Sorry to be the bearer of bad news. My advice is to "fess up" early. Let everyone know about your past and what can be expected on your background check. You can always explain yourself and, if it is deemed that you have changed, that you made a mistake. If nursing is truly what you want to do, it will be obvious. Please let me know if you have any questions!

I am wary of the larger, for-profit colleges that have turned education into a business and there seem to be more and more of them offering master's degrees in nursing. In my opinion, you're essentially buying the degree while sacrificing the rigor and scholarship required for an advanced degree. Check out "College Inc" on PBS: http://www.pbs.org/wgbh/pages/frontline/collegeinc/view/

These were the 20 top clinical apps for nurses in 2012 (Scrubs Magazine): http://scrubsmag.com/20-mobile-apps-for-nurses-in-2012/

Absolutely go for it. You're feeling nervous because you are stepping out of your comfort zone (which happens to everyone!) I was in the same position at one point in my career and felt exactly the same way. But I did it. And, as mentioned by nrsang97, I received the appropriate orientation and supervision to succeed in the ICU. You will, too!

Check out the iPad Blackboard App! Amazing!